Health Glossary - For Everyone

Eosophagus
  print page print this page   Email email this page

 

 

 

 

What is the eosophagus?

The eosophagus/esophagus (or gullet) is a long, muscular tube that connects the throat, specifically the pharynx, with the stomach. The eosophagus is located between the trachea (windpipe) and spine.

The eosophagus moves food down by a contraction and release pattern called peristalsis. This peristalsis action allows the swallowed food to be moved into the stomach for digestion. Since the eosophagus is lined with glands that produce mucous, the whole tube is always moistened and this assists with swallowing and peristalsis.

Advertisement



^ top



Important eosophagus facts



^ top

Advertisement

 

Why the eosophagus is important

There are several layers of tissue that make up the eosophagus - which makes up its strength and enables the effective peristalsis action that it performs on a daily basis.

 

^ top

 

Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007

 

Related Articles

^ top

references

 

More information

To learn more, go to the following web sites


 

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

 

^ top